RFAdvantages and Disadvantages of Embedded Systems
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Embedded systems are specialized computing systems designed to perform dedicated functions within larger electronic or mechanical systems. These systems are integral to a wide range of applications, from consumer electronics to industrial automation, automotive, healthcare, and beyond. Known for their efficiency and reliability, embedded systems are optimized to perform specific tasks efficiently.
However, like any technology, they come with both benefits and challenges. This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of embedded systems, helping you understand their role, benefits, and potential limitations.
Introduction
General purpose computing systems use GPOSs (General purpose operating systems) such as Windows, Linux, iOS, macOS, and Android. These systems are not preferable for time-critical and low power consumption requirements. Hence, RTOS based embedded systems have been developed to address these requirements.
What is an Embedded System?
An electronic system having mechanical hardware and software which is designed to perform a specific function is known as an embedded system. The software running on the hardware is called embedded software.
An embedded system can either be an independent system or part of a larger system. It can have a microcontroller or microprocessor or DSP or FPGA or ASIC as a computing system.
There are numerous embedded devices which include mobile phones, washing machines, electronic toys, air conditioners, DVD players, STB (Set Top Box), calculators, smart watches, medical equipment, microwave ovens, automatic cars, wireless routers, WiFi clients, etc.
The embedded system consists of two parts viz. embedded hardware and software. Hardware part includes processor/microcontroller, I/O devices, timers, interrupt controller, memories, ports, sensors, actuators, ADCs/DACs, ports, etc. Software part includes application software, RTOS, middleware, and device drivers.
Figure-1: Embedded System Components
Unlike traditional computer hardware, an embedded system is designed with three main constraints viz. system memory, processing speed, and power dissipation.
Embedded systems are classified into three major categories based on their complexity and performance requirements viz. small scale, medium scale, and large scale. It can further be categorized based on triggering type which can be event based or time based.
The source code written in higher programming languages is compiled and ported on the processor/microcontroller for it to work as per a predefined program. Figure-1 depicts components of a typical embedded system.
Figure-2: Embedded System Hardware (HW)
The typical components in an embedded hardware board include a user interface, memory, µP/µC, communication buses to interface external devices using UART/SPI/I2C, DACs/ADCs to interface analog and digital devices, FPGAs/ASICs to provide flexibility in programming, sensors/actuators to provide sensing and actuations, etc.
Figure-3: Embedded System Software
Embedded firmware development is carried out either using assembly language, a high-level language, or a mix of both. Higher-level languages such as C, C++, and Java are used for embedded programming. They are converted to machine language using a compiler for porting on to the processor/microcontroller. Embedded C is a popular language in which an assembler (from Keil) is used to convert assembly code to machine code.
Various operating systems such as Windows, Linux, RTOS, etc. can be used. RTOS offers numerous benefits for embedded products.
A device driver (or firmware) is a piece of software which functions as a bridge between embedded hardware and the operating system (OS). User applications interact with the OS kernel for all necessary information exchange including communication with HW peripherals. Middleware is the layer of software between the OS (operating system) and applications running above it.
Examples of Embedded Systems
Embedded systems are used for various applications or functions as follows:
- Data communication
- Monitoring and control
- Data collection, storage, and representation
- Data or signal processing (analog/digital)
- User-specific applications
Example #1: Robots
These embedded systems are used in manufacturing, automobiles, hospitals, and other industries for specific tasks such as pick and place, cutting, welding, assembling, inspection, delivery and so on. Most robots resemble a human arm. Microcontroller and microprocessor based robots use sensors of various types based on its requirements.
Example #2: Wireless Router
WiFi based routers are very commonly found in our homes which connect the internet with computing devices such as laptops, desktop PCs, mobile phones, tablets etc. A router allows connectivity with a DSL/fiber optic cable from an ISP (Internet Service Provider). A wireless router allows computing devices to communicate using wireless EM radio frequency signals. A typical router consists of CPU, memory (RAM/ROM), power supply, LAN ports, WAN port, isolation transformers, USB and other interfaces etc.
Example #3: Smart watch or smart health band
This is one of the most popular embedded devices used across the world. This device houses a CPU, sensors, memory, wireless chip (Bluetooth), display, buttons, a chargeable battery, etc.
Example #4: Mobile phone
This smartphone is designed based on various cellular wireless standards such as GSM, CDMA, 4G LTE, 5G etc. A typical mobile phone will have a keypad, antenna, camera, mic, speaker, display, PCB with cover, switch, SIM card, battery and various interfaces. The PCB consists of memory, RF front end, ADC/DAC, CPU, Codec etc. Smartphones do not have keypads as it can be used as a touch screen.
Example #5: Subscriber Station or End device (PHY, MAC, RF)
The device uses a processor for MAC layer code porting and Xilinx FPGA for PHY layer code porting. SDRAM is used as shared memory for mapping data between PHY and MAC layers. ADC/DAC is used between analog (RF) and digital parts of the subscriber station as shown.
The other application examples of embedded systems are GPS receivers, DVD players, digital cameras, set top boxes, printers, gaming consoles, microwave ovens, Televisions, Radios, Washing machines, Aeroplanes, tablets, laptops, Bluetooth speakers, smart watches, smart transport etc.
Advantages of Embedded Systems
- The system is easily customizable as embedded software can be changed as per change in requirements.
- It consumes lower power. Hence it is suitable for emerging IoT (Internet of Things) applications.
- It can be developed at a lower cost and hence it has become very popular among enthusiasts and end users.
- It offers enhanced performance, higher reliability and higher efficiency.
- The embedded systems are usually compact in size due to their miniaturized components.
- It is used for real-time applications due to its lower latency.
- It is highly stable.
Disadvantages of Embedded Systems
- It requires more time and effort due to firmware development requirements by experienced embedded software engineers. This takes more time for embedded product launch in the market for end users or customers.
- Unlike a computer system, it has limitations in terms of on-board memory and performance.
- Security vulnerabilities vary with different embedded products based on standards.
- It offers a minimal user interface.
- It is designed to be task-specific and time-specific.
- As embedded hardware cannot be changed, it does not allow any upgradations.
- Troubleshooting is a challenge in an embedded system.
Conclusion
Embedded systems play a critical role in modern technology, enabling smart functionalities across countless applications. Their advantages, including efficiency, reliability, and low power consumption, make them valuable in industries that require specialized, stable performance. However, the disadvantages, such as high initial development costs and restricted upgrade flexibility, can pose challenges in evolving environments.
